WNKY NEWS 40 Weather Reports: Fall Fire Hazard Season

Kentucky's Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season

As we transition to drier and cooler months of the year, we enter Kentucky’s Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season.

Kentucky law states that outdoor burning is not permitted within 150ft of woodland or brush land between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. These burn restrictions are lifted after 6 p.m. when relative humidity is higher. 

Thankfully, rains from Helene eliminated drought concerns. However, environmental agencies will continue to monitor conditions throughout the season. If there’s a prolonged period of dry weather, agencies may issue burn bans. 

“That’s something that we put in place just to prevent the possibility of a fire getting out of control when conditions are ripe for fire to spread.” Said Jessica Cooper at Mammoth Cave National Park. 

A burn ban was lifted from the park thanks to recent rainfall. Conditions that contribute to a rapid spread of fire include dry vegetation and strong winds.

Cooper urges everyone that recreates in campgrounds  to limit campfires to the established campfire rings and most importantly, to never leave a fire unattended.

Kentucky’s forest fire season begins October 1st and lasts through December 15th.